Album Reviews

The Ginger Envelope: Invitation Air [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
June 25, 2009February 6, 2022

In Invitation Air, The Ginger Envelope‘s follow-up to Edible Orchids, the band displays an impressive progression in songwriting and instrumental capabilities. Cohesive is its nature; this album goes very well alongside their earlier work. But from the opening track, “Turn Into Tempests”, it’s readily apparent that a change has occurred, one that finds The Ginger Envelope giant leaps ahead in their ability to wow the listener.

Andy Fenstermaker
June 24, 2009June 23, 2009

It’s astonishing how earnest and endearing a lone man with a guitar can be. On occasion, such an artist comes along that can move people based on this minimalism. Tom Brosseau has the capabilities to do so, and his latest LP, Posthumous Success proves it. Opening tune “Favourite Colour Blue” includes a rambling guitar and folk-worthy howls. Read More »Tom Brosseau: Posthumous Success [Album Review]

Boris Skalsky: First Songs [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
June 24, 2009June 23, 2009

First Songs is the solo work of songwriter Boris Skalsky, who fronts Dead Heart Bloom. Here one will find a stripped-down folk side of Skalsky as opposed to something a bit heavier. Piano and acoustic guitar replaces rock guitars and drums. Read More »Boris Skalsky: First Songs [Album Review]

Peter Moore: One Ride [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
June 23, 2009June 22, 2009

Peter Moore has established himself as a true artist of the weird with his vocal and keyboard talents for The Blue Man Group. And now he has released One Ride, a sort of soundtrack affiliate to his one man show seen through the Boston music scene. He’s found the opportunity to master this beautiful concept album on tour, at home, and in the den of conformity homicide of his own brain. Read More »Peter Moore: One Ride [Album Review]

Allt Ã„r Musik: SkapelseberÃ¤ttelsen [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
June 22, 2009June 20, 2009

Allt Ã„r Musik is somewhat of a rarity in that Andreas SjÃ¶gren, the primary force behind Allt Ã„r Musik, sings in his native tongue. The typical Swedish artist tends to sing in English. On SkapelseberÃ¤ttelsen, Allt Ã„r Musik creates lo-fi pop tunes that blend acoustic guitars with drone-ridden synths, the combination of which is quite peaceful. Read More »Allt Ã„r Musik: SkapelseberÃ¤ttelsen [Album Review]

Cinema, Cinema: Exile Baby [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
June 22, 2009June 21, 2009

Brooklyn New York has housed many musicians from every background for well over a hundred years. Traces of this fine burrough can be found throughout the history of instrumental and vocal companionship. But, nothing of the likes of Cinema, Cinema has really ever been heard. The complete and utter lack of traditional vanity on their third release, Exile Baby, is proof of this transcending duo’s ability to represent their home base on an entirely different front. Read More »Cinema, Cinema: Exile Baby [Album Review]

Cock And Swan: Mashmallow Sunset

Andy Fenstermaker
June 21, 2009

As we move through time, our bodies mature. In most cases, so do the capabilities our minds possess; we are able to piece together more and more complex puzzles, complete more difficult challenges and tasks that we or others require, and reach, hoping to accomplish, all those goals that once seemed so unfathomably far away. Within our minds, we are capable of progressing. Ideally, such a concept should also relate to music: the instrument holder advances in their ability to perform as well as construct. While this is not always the case, it is with Marshmallow Sunset, the sophomore release by Cock And Swan via their personal DIY label Dandelion Gold. Read More »Cock And Swan: Mashmallow Sunset

Bear In Heaven: Red Bloom Of The Boom [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
June 20, 2009February 11, 2022

You rarely hear the words avant-garde associated with pop music. Yet the eclectic and sometimes ear-wrenching sub-genre can be found in all corners of music, but perhaps most notably in jazz through classic artists like Ornette Coleman. In some ways avant-garde is simply a pretentious way of saying experimental. But the definition of the term is merely a push of the boundaries away from the norm. That, then, brings up the question what is the norm?

Acid House Kings: Do What You Wanna Do [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
June 20, 2009May 13, 2023

As I’ve noted countless times in my reviews, I am a firm believer that the sweetest and best of indie-pop from around the world comes from Sweden. While The Legends kicked off this phase, my attention was not focused on that country until I discovered label mates Acid House Kings. With the success of their cherished Sing Along With The Acid House Kings (2005, Labrador) comes the smash hit single “Do What You Wanna Do” in a Single/EP of the same name, this time on the Florida label TwentySeven Records with four exclusive tracks–one of which is exclusive to the US release of the single.

Andy Fenstermaker
June 19, 2009June 18, 2009

In retrospect, Fishboy‘s Albatross should have garnered my #1 album slot for 2007. Seriously: the album remains one of the most-listened-to albums even today. The oft dubbed Twee Rock Opera was a truly brilliant concoction. And, as front-man Eric Michener quietly hints at a follow-up, he releases Nom, a nine-song EP consisting of rejects from the original concept album. Read More »Fishboy: Nom [Album Review]

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